hypertension <--?--> aortic dissection

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hypertension <--?--> aortic dissection

Author

4 Posts

M.A.S
Forum Senior

Topics: 28
Posts: 56

06/07/04 - 01:31 AM

According to Harrison's 15th, "hypertension coexist in 70%
of patients with aortic dissection," and "physical findings
may include hypertension or hypotension." Hypertension
is clearly a common predisposing cause.

However, can I say that hypertension comes also as
a stress response secondary to dissection?

Any post is appreciated.

Idiopathic
Forum Guru

Topics: 19
Posts: 641

06/07/04 - 02:29 AM

If you do not have Marfan's, then you can say nearly every case of dissection was as a result of HTN. Long-standing HTN is number one risk factor for this condition.

tess
Forum Guru

Topics: 131
Posts: 368

06/07/04 - 06:40 AM

Yes, HTN is the 1st risk factor of aortic dissection and then Manfan's. But how to understand it can cause either hypertention or hypotention? And their effects on treatment?

and what is the reason it usually cause different BP between two arms?
Thanks in advanced! :!:

Idiopathic
Forum Guru

Topics: 19
Posts: 641

06/07/04 - 09:08 AM

"tess" wrote:
and what is the reason it usually cause different BP between two arms?

Rx is immediate surgery...not sure how important knowing whether the HTN is brought on by the dissection or vice versa is in management. It is obviously critical to bring BP down, regardless.

If the dissection is proximal to the origin of the brachiocephalic, then bp should be equal in both arms. There is the off chance that the dissection could arise between the brachiocephalic and the L subclavian or that the dissection could indirectly compress one of the vessels. The BP difference between arms is seen, but I honestly do not know how classic this presentation is.

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